17th November 2025

Review: “Preapocalyptic Madness” by Mortal Flesh

Five years after their last taped confession “Warmongers“, Stuttgart Germany based Melodic Death Thrash quartet Mortal Flesh have returned to sift through the rubble as if panning for gold. Formed in 2009 the band have encouraged reflection with their socially critical lyrics in the past, their intense live performances commanding attention and requiring movement. Since that last record there has been a line up change with bassist Marius Haak exiting stage left, “Preapocalyptic Madness” marking the recording debut of Markus Denkinger. He joins original vocalist and guitarist Marcel Boldt alongside drummer Felix Grob and guitarist Björn Dennochweiler, the later of whom joined in 2016.

Passing up the opportunity for an introduction of any kind “Freedom” finds Mortal Flesh introducing vocals within the first second as they lay the eardrums to waste with adrenaline fueled Melodic Death Thrash. Boldt has plenty of bark and bite to his vocals, switching between multiple voices to get his message across, the death growled moments being particularly savage. Sonically the melodies are rich and urgent and accompanied by some majestic soloing they have pretty much all you could wish for. The only real issue is the drum sound which while clean and crisp isn’t as thunderous as you might have thought. That’s something rectified in “Preapocalyptic Madness” which has the air of Trivium about it as it transcends from breakneck speed riffing moments to almost Jazz inspired melodic breaks before rising once more. A vibrant extended solo is a wonderful addition that moves into Progressive Metal territory before some brutal vocals from Boldt demonstrate some incredible range. As powerful a title track as you could wish for, its both enthralling and captivating at the same time. Sounding like it has been inspired by “Dark Side of the Moon” era Pink Floyd, “Trail Of Blood” exposes some German accenting with delicate clean vocals over clean guitars and feels like a surrealist painting looks. You’re left on tenterhooks waiting for the explosion into a full on Death Metal roar and that finally comes after an eclectic solo with fifty seconds to spare. Boldt decimates the weak with a savage final verse and by the end you’re left wondering what you just heard. This three track affair very much feels like its the precursor to a full length album upon which two of these songs will appear remixed and remastered, such is the quality of this slick offering [7.5/10]

Track Listing